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    Home » Travel

    Exploring Western North Carolina - Nantahala National Forest

    July 7, 2013 by Jenn 24 Comments

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    Everyone knows about the Smoky Mountains, right? Did you know that there's an equally beautiful mountain range just an hour west of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Nantahala National Forest?

    lake fontana

    You may not know this about me, but I used to live on a farm in the itty bitty town of Brevard, North Carolina. We moved back to Miami after my father found it nearly impossible to find work, but we visited my family in Brevard and Hendersonville, NC, every summer.

    Now that I have my own family, we spend as many vacations as we can in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, though we've begun to explore even farther west - as far as Deal's Gap, which is about 10 miles from the Tennessee state line. Once my husband discovered Deal's Gap, in Tapoco, NC, we have stayed in either Robbinsville, Cherokee or Maggie Valley when vacationing in the mountains.

    While this part of Western North Carolina is far less touristy than the Asheville area, it is just as beautiful...and less crowded come the busy summer months. The last time I checked, Robbinsville had 3 motels and 3 bed and breakfasts - and a population of about 800.

    While Cherokee and Maggie Valley are far more popular and have more activities (and casinos), we prefer the Robbinsville area because it's quiet, relaxing and peaceful - and of course, it's just about 14 miles from Deal's Gap.

    deals gap motorcycle resort tail of the dragon NC

    If you aren't a motorcyclist, you probably aren't aware of the most popular road in America (and Canada) for bikers. 318 curves in 11 miles.

    It's serious riding, y'all.

    While I do enjoy the bike when we're up here, I usually spend half my time in the SUV, exploring the back country roads and hiking in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. I'm not even the hiking type, but when I get up here, I slap on my sneakers and go.

    nantahala national forest nc

    It's not strenuous hiking, and between the beautiful foliage, the waterfalls and creeks, I busy myself for hours exploring the forest and taking photos.

    Sometimes I just drive along state road 28 or 129 (which leads to Deal's Gap) and stop to photograph the numerous waterfalls and scenic vistas.

    rainbow falls

    On this most recent trip, Chris and I booked a poolside cabana room at the Fontana Village Resort in, well, Fontana. We have been seeing the signs for years and finally decided that we would give them a try. We have stayed EVERYWHERE prior to this - we always stay somewhere new.

    I think that changed with this trip. I had no idea how incredible the Fontana Village Resort was - it is actually a village! With a lodge, rental apartments, cabins, a fine dining restaurant, bar, grill restaurant, two pools, and numerous games, I could see us staying here for the week and not needing to leave. Especially since there's also a general store, gift shop and ice cream parlor!

    fontana village resort NC #fontanavillage

    Full disclosure, I did receive a discount on our room rate, but this gushing, well, it's all of my own accord. Keep your eyes out on Happy Travels for my upcoming review of the Fontana Village Resort as well as the Mountainview Bistro, the fine dining restaurant at Fontana Village Resort!

    With it raining virtually nonstop while we were in Fontana, I was worried that we would be bored out of our minds...I mean, we went from 100% chance of rain to 90% - it rained almost constantly, 24 hours a day. Luckily, the rain was just a fine mist most of the time, and while the ground was too soggy for hiking, I had a grand old time hanging poolside (under the balcony) reading, and driving around seeing the sites.

    One of my favorite areas was the Cheoah Dam, which I originally mistook for the Fontana Dam.

    cheoah cam north carolina

    How embarrassing!

    Oddly enough, when Chris and I did drive past the Fontana Dam, it was much less impressive. Imagine that!

    See how pretty everything is, even though it's raining? Imagine what it looks like in the bright summer sunshine!

    When it's not raining, there are plenty of outdoor activities to partake in, besides the listless wandering that I enjoy so much myself. Especially on Lake Santeelah and Lake Fontana. Some of the bed and breakfasts in this area (Graham and Swain Counties) even offer free canoes, kayaks and fishing equipment to their guests!

    There's ziplining, tubing, white water rafting, as well as camping, fishing, and a few small museums here and there - like the Junaluska Memorial Museum in Robbinsville, NC.

    You can find out more about the Nantahala National Forest by visiting Visit NC or just drop me a line! As the tourist industry isn't as developed in this part of North Carolina, there aren't that many online resources.

    I've spent time here each summer for the last four years, so I can answer most of your questions!

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    About Jenn

    Jenn, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a single woman who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible. Whether it be through sharing new recipes, sharing her dating stories, or encouraging people to embrace adventure and travel, she aims to inspire people to live full, happy and authentic lives.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathleen

      July 07, 2013 at 9:40 am

      Unfortunately, we are not going to make it to North Carolina this trip, but definitely hope to make it there next year, it looks gorgeous!

      Reply
      • Jennifer Quillen

        July 07, 2013 at 3:19 pm

        I hope you do make it next year, it's one of the most beautiful places on earth! 🙂

        Reply
    2. aAngela

      July 07, 2013 at 3:45 pm

      I have been to NC many times but not this part. Your pics are beautiful, especially the one at the top with the mountains in the background.

      Reply
    3. Kelly

      July 07, 2013 at 5:24 pm

      I love how green everything is. One of the only reasons I deal with the rain in PDX is because of how green everything is during the summer. I'd love to visit and I'm the worst with remembering the names of anything, nonetheless a dam 🙂

      Reply
    4. Stefanie

      July 07, 2013 at 6:19 pm

      I've only been to NC once, but it was beautiful! I love the mountains.

      Reply
    5. Becca

      July 07, 2013 at 8:14 pm

      I've never been to NC and it looks like I'm missing out!

      Reply
    6. Colleen

      July 07, 2013 at 8:41 pm

      Sorry about the rain it does look beautiful.

      Reply
    7. Tiff

      July 07, 2013 at 9:32 pm

      I would totally be out there taking pictures too. It's so lush and beautiful!

      Reply
    8. Sheri

      July 07, 2013 at 11:40 pm

      It's beautiful. Great pictures.

      Reply
    9. Rachel

      July 08, 2013 at 12:39 am

      OH my goodness -- that is so beautiful!

      Reply
    10. Ty

      July 08, 2013 at 1:57 am

      Gorgeous photos!

      Reply
    11. Lolo

      July 08, 2013 at 2:07 am

      North Carolina is beautiful! I have only driven through western NC, but thought it was amazing!

      Reply
    12. Tricia Nightowlmama

      July 08, 2013 at 3:11 am

      wow tht last photo is breathtaking I'd love to visit one day

      Reply
    13. Anne - Mommy Has to Work

      July 08, 2013 at 9:05 am

      It looks beautiful! I love the dam!

      Reply
    14. Marcie W.

      July 08, 2013 at 12:34 pm

      What a gorgeous spot. I have never experienced any type of forest like this, but would love to get away from the city for awhile.

      Reply
    15. Liz

      July 08, 2013 at 1:25 pm

      Wow, it really is beautiful over there. So sorry that you've had so darn much rain. We had it on the east side the week before the west side got hammered. I do need to do some more westward traveling here in NC for sure!

      Reply
    16. Jenn

      July 08, 2013 at 1:37 pm

      Simply beautiful! And I'm not a biker but would like to be.

      Reply
    17. Donna

      July 08, 2013 at 11:53 pm

      Since I live on the TN side of the Smoky Mts, I do frequent it more often, but do love the NC side, too.

      Reply
    18. Jai

      July 09, 2013 at 12:41 am

      Beautiful scenery. I've never been that far east. It looks actually a bit like some places here in Oregon.

      Reply
    19. Felicia

      July 10, 2013 at 12:29 am

      I was immediately drawn to the post because I was born and raised and still live in WNC! I recognize all of these pictures. Such a beautiful area to live in. I feel blessed every day.

      Love your pictures!

      Reply
    20. LyndaS

      July 10, 2013 at 4:21 pm

      It looks beautiful.

      Reply
    21. HilLesha

      July 10, 2013 at 5:55 pm

      It looks beautiful despite the rain.

      Reply
    22. Toni

      July 13, 2013 at 8:46 pm

      I want to go there. I love that stream! My husband would love that place.

      Reply
    23. Robin Wilson

      July 20, 2013 at 11:17 am

      Yes I have heard of it, and am sorry to say that though I live here, I have never been to visit. Which, by seeing your pics, is a crying shame. It is absolutely stunning in its beauty! Thanks for sharing your journey!

      Reply

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